The polarization that afflicts society has also impacted the Church. Competing voices all claim that they are speaking for God. This is, of course, nothing new as we see in the dueling banjos of Hananiah and Jeremiah. Both prophets claim, “This is the word from the Lord.” How to tell which is right? Ultimately, Jeremiah asserts, we only know in hindsight. The prophet who prophesies peace is recognized as truly sent by the LORD only when his prophetic prediction is fulfilled. But until then, Jeremiah proposed, we should heed the voice that challenges us to grow. We should be suspicious of prophecy that says “Stand pat. No change is called for.” God always wants us to grow in forgiveness, compassion, kindness, and generosity.
